Distinguished Members of the Henrico County School Board,

Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on a new name for Harry F. Byrd Middle School. You have a difficult decision ahead, yet we are encouraged to know that you are seeking the community’s collective wisdom. As you consider all options, we invite you to prioritize a school name that unites the community and inspires students to strive for excellence in every facet of their lives. We believe this message is most effectively conveyed by a distinguished Byrd alumnus whose life embodied the absolute best of our nation: Alysia Christine Burton Basmajian.

Alysia Burton attended Byrd from 1989-1992, but tragically lost her life on September 11, 2001. A member of Godwin High School’s Class of 1996, Alysia was an honors student, gifted artist, and community leader who spent each summer tirelessly serving youth as a Canterbury Pool lifeguard. Those of us who knew Alysia can still vividly remember her contagious laughter, compassion for others, and tireless love of life. Following high school, Alysia attended The College of William & Mary where she continued her quest for knowledge as an accounting major, and contributed to the betterment of her community as an active member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority. Upon graduation she secured a position at the prestigious Cantor Fitzgerald financial firm, working in Lower Manhattan on the 104th floor of One World Trade Center. She married fellow William & Mary alum (and RVA native) Anthony Basmajian and the two of them lovingly raised their beautiful baby girl. On September 11, at age 23, Alysia arrived at work with the brightest possible future.  

This summer will mark 15 years since terrorists struck our country and 20 years since Alysia graduated from Godwin High School. As students return to class this fall and our nation remembers the 15th anniversary of 9/11, we believe middle school students in the West End should walk through the doors of Alysia C. Burton Middle School. This school name and Alysia’s remarkable life would encourage students to embrace her core values of integrity, excellence, and love. The school would also stand as an American memorial honoring the sacred memory of the 2,977 innocent people who lost their lives on September 11th. Equally important, Burton Middle School would be a powerful community reminder of how our great nation united during one of its darkest hours, putting aside our many differences for a much higher purpose: Liberty.

Thank you for your consideration of our proposal and for your service to Henrico County’s students. We wish you the very best as you make this decision.

Respectfully,

Friends of Alysia Burton Basmajian